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Strait of Hormuz developments

US allies believe Hormuz not fully demined — Bloomberg

According to sources cited by the news agency, some mines may have shifted from their original position due to underwater currents

NEW YORK, August 26. /TASS/. The United States’ allies believe that there are likely still mines in the Strait of Hormuz, despite Washington’s claims to the contrary, according to Bloomberg.

According to its sources, some mines may have shifted from their original position due to underwater currents.

US President Donald Trump claimed earlier in August that the Strait of Hormuz had been completely cleared of mines. He also said that the US will not tolerate mining in the strait.

Wagenknecht urges German politicians backing Kiev to go to front

The founder of BSW criticized German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and other politicians who support continued military assistance to Ukraine

US authority allocates almost $40 million for drone purchases to combat crime in Ukraine

The authority works with foreign governments, law enforcement agencies and the private sector

In calls with foreign leaders, Trump demands that they cut ties with Iran — Bessent

US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent refused to name those who received calls from the US

IN BRIEF: Ukrainian connection in drone incident in Germany

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service questioned whether the German authorities have the political will "to draw impartial conclusions and officially announce them"

Ukrainian settlement, AI, POWs rights: Lavrov’s talks with Vatican envoy

Moscow expects the Vatican will pay attention to Kiev's illegal actions, the Russian foreign minister stressed

US-Iran war to end 'fairly soon' — Trump

According to the US leader, the Strait of Hormuz "is functioning"

US lawmaker Luna lauds reports about CIA chief’s trip to Russia

John Ratcliffe is doing some great things on behalf of the US, Anna Paulina Luna said

Press review: Vatican eyes Ukraine peace role as Slovakia keeps Russian energy contracts

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, August 26th

Western countries hosting largest number of Ukrainian refugees significantly cut their aid

Germany currently hosts the largest number of Ukrainian refugees in the EU at 29.2%, amounting to 1.29 million people

Russian troops liberate Annovka community in Donetsk region over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,275 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Kazakhstan to cut 2026 oil output target due to CPC attacks

Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov said the revised target now stands at 96 mln metric tons

Employee injured in fire at Wildberries logistics center outside Tambov after drone attack

All employees were evacuated promptly after the emergency was reported

Battlegroup North captures Ukrainian soldier, destroys 133 fixed-wing UAVs over past day

The battlegroup's units have eliminated a T-64 tank, an Israeli-made RADA counter-battery radar station and up to 215 Ukrainian personnel

Turkey has no hidden agenda in Middle East, Erdogan says

According to the Turkish president, the republic's goal is to ensure an atmosphere of peace

Russia calls on international bodies to compel Kiev to disclose data on missing clergy

Mikhail Melekh noted that the Kiev regime systematically and en masse sends clergy to the front, many of whom disappear

Russia could approach India in terms of purchasing power parity — expert

Anton Sviridenko said it is necessary for Russia to expand access to credit resources for business, ensure the conversion of citizens’ savings into investment, and enhance the stock market’s role

Brent crude oil falls below $87 per barrel on ICE exchange for first time since August 14

The WTI crude oil futures with September delivery was down by 4.95% to $80.8 per barrel

Reality sets in for Ukraine’s former defense chief, Russian envoy says

Kirill Dmitriev also noted that "the blame game for failures" begins in Ukraine

Federal Treasury transfers $8.9 bln to Russia’s federal, regional budgets

According to head of the Treasury Roman Artyukhin, budget execution reached 54.1% in the first half of the year

Russia’s Andreeva/Rublev reach US Open mixed doubles semifinals

They will face the Czech duo of Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik

What to know about Amur Gas Chemical Complex fire that left one dead

According to reports, 19 people were hospitalized

Epstein case reveals real face of Western elites seeking to rule world — Lavrov

"It is unnecessary to explain to any normal person that this is pure Satanism and is beyond human comprehension," the Russian Foreign Minister added

Firefighters extinguish blaze at Amur Gas Chemical Complex construction site

Search and rescue teams found four Chinese nationals working for a contractor dead, bringing the confirmed death toll to seven

Brussels’ energy policy could exacerbate EU’s chronic gas crisis — expert

Norway has remained the largest gas supplier to the European Union since 2022, though its resource base is gradually depleting, Igor Yushkov said

US military transport plane lands in Moscow

The aircraft departed from Andrews Air Force Base near Washington

IN BRIEF: Kremlin Spokesman Peskov on US aircraft in Moscow, Ukrainian settlement terms

TASS has compiled the key statements by the Kremlin spokesman

Ukraine to be forced to repay aid received from the West — Duma speaker

Vyacheslav Volodin called Western aid to Ukraine a bondage for the Ukrainian people

Ukraine is definitely losing in conflict — Kremlin

The dynamics in all frontline areas clearly demonstrate this, Dmitry Peskov underscored

Russia still open to international cooperation in science — deputy PM

Dmitry Chernyshenko highlighted that Russia's scientific community had enormous potential and all the necessary foundations for developing domestic high-tech products

FACTBOX: Aftermath of Ukrainian drone attack on Russian regions, 426 neutralized UAVs

Two people were killed after a private home caught fire following a drone crash in the Lipetsk Region

Russia’s Uran-6 ground robotic system proves effective in demining Mariupol — DPR head

According to Denis Pushilin, demining of the city was a very serious task

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 240 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy tank and 14 motor vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Russian stocks down as main trading session opens

As of 10:00 a.m. Moscow time, the MOEX and RTS declined by 1.2%

Ombudswoman reports return of 10 Russian soldiers from Ukrainian captivity

Yana Lantratova the most important thing now is for the veterans to receive all the necessary assistance

What is known about detention of eleven terrorist suspects in Russia’s North Caucasus

The arrests took place at the detainees' places of residence

Iranian attacks cause billions in damage to US surveillance hardware in Middle East — TV

The Iranian attacks raise doubts about whether the Department of State, the Pentagon and the US intelligence community are sufficiently prepared to guarantee due protection to US sites in the region, the TV channel said

Russia to retain fourth place globally in terms of purchasing power parity — expert

Even amid persistent and mounting external pressure, Russian economy is maintaining its relative standing, Executive Director of the Stolypin Institute of Growth Economics Anton Sviridenko said

US not planning new strikes on Iran, may focus on other means of pressure instead — Axios

According to the news portal, Washington will focus on putting more economic pressure on Iran through the sanctions and naval blockade

Flood in Nepal: At least 95 killed, some 400 tourists missing and $1.3 billion in damage

The Russian embassy in Kathmandu has told TASS that the diplomatic mission has no information about the presence of Russian citizens in the affected areas.

Moscow court orders in-absentia arrest of FAZ journalist Martens

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Martens’ calls for the murder of Russians were unacceptable and criminal

Battlegroup South destroys Ukraine’s Bucephalus APC, 71 fixed-wing UAVs over past day

The battlegroup's strike UAV crews have also eliminated two foreign-made Senator armored combat vehicles, two field artillery weapons and 43 ground robotic systems

Trump says Mojtaba Khamenei alive after strikes on Iran

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was very seriously wounded

Economic war against Iran could end in defeat for US allies — expert

Iran still has considerable capacity to disrupt everybody else’s exports, Jorge Leon said

Deployment of NATO military contingents in Ukraine unacceptable for Russia — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia has consistently conveyed its position at multiple levels

Ukrainian terrorist elements to spread around world after Russia’s win in special op

Denis Pushilin added that the sea routes, which are a priority in the area of cargo transportation, must be protected because the risk of terrorist threats will persist for decades to come

CIA chief's visit to Russia, Kiev regime’s collapse, Armenia situation: Kremlin’s briefing

According to Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov, there were no direct contacts between the Russian President and John Ratcliffe

Dodon does not rule out provocations at Russia-protected ammunition depots in Transnistria

According to the former president of Moldova, the Moldovan intelligence service is downplaying the potential consequences of ammo warehouses

Ukraine’s metals industry on verge of systemic shutdown — agency

For Ukraine, a systemic crisis entails a loss of export revenues, rising construction costs, and issues with the hryvnia exchange rate, the RBC-Ukraine noted

Iranian president expects to meet with Putin at SCO summit

The summit will be held in Bishkek on August 31 and September 1

Italy, France agree to supply four Samp-T air defense systems to Ukraine — newspaper

According to the publication, the upcoming 13th Italian military aid package for Ukraine, scheduled for approval in October, will also include Aster 30 missiles from Italian arsenals

Another ten troops returning to Russia today from captivity — human rights commissioner

Yana Lantratova clarified that the swap process in Belarus is currently being finalized using a ten-for-ten formula

Armenia cynically exploits Eurasian Economic Union in its bid to join EU — Duma speaker

Vyacheslav Volodin urged Armenia to clarify its foreign policy course

Ukrainian tactics in Zaporozhye Region resemble medieval siege methods — Russian diplomat

Rodion Miroshnik said that Kiev attempts to isolate settlements in violation of international humanitarian law

US suspends immigrant visa application processing worldwide — FT

The State Department did not say when immigrant visa appointments would resume

Energy ministry assesses diesel fuel situation on Russian market as stable

The ministry reported that additional volumes following export restrictions were redirected to the domestic market

Malva howitzer shells strike targets simultaneously along different trajectories — Rostec

The state corporation specified that the howitzer is designed to engage command posts, defensive fortifications, artillery and missile batteries, air defense positions, and armored vehicle convoys

Ukrainian armed forces drop explosives disguised as children’s toys from drones

The Ukrainian military often uses eye-catching objects to disguise improvised explosive devices

West no longer willing to allow Ukraine to strike civilians in Russia — senator

This is evident both in the harsher language used by international organizations and in the changing tone of foreign media, Alexander Voloshin said

First engine for Voronezh ultralight space rockets unveiled at Technoprom

UEC representative Pavel Chupin noted that the development of Russia’s liquid-fueled engine would broaden launch capabilities for small spacecraft and reduce launch costs

Sweden wants to expropriate plot belonging to Russian, allegedly over "security threat"

Real estate is located near a military base on the island of Musko

Russia not to forget Ukraine’s terror attack on Starobelsk, to seek justice — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister said the Kiev regime continues demonstrating its utter brutality by targeting children

ICRC delegates visit Wildberries facilities targeted by Ukraine near St. Petersburg — MFA

During the visit, ICRC experts could verify the complete absence of military facilities both at and around the warehouses

Russian authorities will decide on extending ban on diesel exports soon

Fully meeting domestic fuel needs, including those of agricultural producers during seasonal field operations, remains a prior task, the Russian Energy Ministry noted

Russia, Ukraine working toward new large POW exchange — ombudswoman

Lists are being agreed, Russian human rights commissioner Yana Lantratov said

Death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon reaches 4,350 — health ministry

The amount of being injured has climbed to 12,310

CIA chief arrived in Russia for contacts between special services, Kremlin tells WP

Dmitry Peskov declined to provide any further details

Iconic US cultural center calls demolition warning a hypothetical scenario

"This language describes a hypothetical scenario of what could happen if the Center’s desperately needed renovation is blocked by partisan interests," a spokesman for the cultural institution said

Russia wants Vatican to denounce Kiev’s actions against Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Mikhail Melekh said that Vatican is generally aware of the lawlessness going on in our neighboring country

Russia to unveil Barrage-2 unmanned stratospheric platform in 2028

In the initial phase, the flight will be short and powered by a relatively simple propulsion system, but it will already be capable of providing practical benefits

State Duma promises Russia will strip Armenia of all 'gifts' if it pivots to West

Alexey Chepa said it will be impossible for Yerevan to "sit on two stools" simultaneously

The West wants to saturate Ukraine with UAVs for strikes against Russia — expert

Vitaly Kiselev described Ukrainian strikes on residential buildings, civilian transport and infrastructure as a tragedy

Iran to hold talks on managing Hormuz with Oman within a timeframe of 60 days — diplomat

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabad confirmed that the waterway will remain closed and that Iran has full control of the area

Kiev ignores UN reports on Ukrainian Orthodox Church persecution — Russia’s MFA

The topic of persecution against the UOC is "increasingly being raised, which is encouraging, in the media, including abroad, and the legal community is addressing it," Mikhail Melekh said

Japan can assemble nuclear weapons within one year — Kremlin aide

Russian Presidential Aide and Executive Secretary of the Eastern Economic Forum Organizing Committee Anton Kobyakov drew attention to Japan’s revanchist militarization

Nine killed, six wounded: What we know about Ukrainian attack on passenger bus in LPR

Leonid Pasechnik stated that the Ukrainian armed forces’ strike was targeted

Ban on trade with Iran could destabilize global economy — NYT

According to experts, the policy of sanctions against Iran is unlikely to succeed without cooperation from China and India, Tehran’s key trading partners

European leaders cut off their own path to participation in negotiations — legislator

European countries are openly involved in the Ukrainian conflict, granting Kiev permission to produce long-range missiles for attacks on civilians, Leonid Slutsky said

Press Review: EU boosts arms aid to Ukraine as India bolsters Russia ties amid US pressure

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 25th

Slovak police foils attempted arson at drone production facility

Charges have been brought against three foreigners

US-Iran talks on settling conflict reach impasse — Egyptian Foreign Ministry

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized that Egypt "continues to maintain contact" with Tehran and advocated for a swift end to the conflict

Tehran's condition for resuming dialogue is US compliance with Islamabad agreement

According to the source, the Pakistani side is actively working to communicate this stance to the United States

No contacts between Kremlin, US representatives planned — spokesman

Russia’s contacts with Ratcliffe were conducted through special services, Dmitry Peskov added

Russia, Serbia agree to continue consultations on security challenges — foreign ministry

The sides spoke in favor of continuing the practice of holding regular consultations and maintaining close contacts in the area of combating international terrorism

US Secret Service aware of Iranian video threatening Barron Trump’s life

According to a number of US media outlets, the Iranian media broadcast a video suggesting option for killing Barron Trump for a reward of $10 million

Kiev regime is collapsing from within — Kremlin

There is a quasi-political fuss underway deep inside the Kiev regime and it is becoming increasingly intense, Dmitry Peskov said

West won’t allow Kiev to produce Patriot systems, fearing backfire — expert

According to Alexander Pataman, the Kiev regime is capable of turning this ‘handout’ against his master

Syrian Kurd leader says armed groups to be dissolved — agency

Commander of the Kurd’s Syrian Democratic Forces Mazloum Abdi also said that the Kurdish autonomous administration in northeastern Syria will become part of the government

One civilian killed, seven wounded in Ukraine’s attacks on DPR during day

Three dwelling houses, six civilian infrastructure facilities, a bus, and eight trucks were damaged

One civilian killed, eight others injured in Ukrainian attacks on DPR during past day

Six civilian infrastructure facilities, three residential buildings, a shuttle bus, and trucks were damaged in the attacks

Russian Foreign Ministry summons Romania's charge d’affaires for Thursday

Earlier, the Romanian Foreign Ministry issued a statement announcing the expulsion of a Russian diplomat

Ukraine’s ex-Defense Minister Fyodorov says Kiev losing in conflict with Russia

According to Mikhail Fyodorov, now is the pivotal point

Zelensky regime, Western countries are exterminating Ukrainian people — Duma speaker

Vyacheslav Volodin stressed that the Zelensky regime understood perfectly well that no one would need it, should it end the war with Russia

Israel expels Netherlands officials from Gaza support center — Foreign Ministry

The Dutch representatives have been instructed to leave Israel within one week

FACTBOX: What we know about detention of Armenia's former president, his son

Armenia's Anti-Corruption Committee accuses Robert Kocharyan of removing a number of valuable real estate properties from state ownership and acquiring them at below-market prices

In case of catastrophe on Earth the Moon could be humanity's salvation — Roscosmos CEO

Dmitry Bakanov emphasized the utmost importance of developing all life support technologies on the Moon

Top Iranian diplomat hails agreement with Oman of Hormuz as example of regional solutions

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that "Iran’s commitment to peace and stability goes hand in hand with ongoing diplomatic work with neighboring states"

Iran, Oman agree to share shipping revenues from Strait of Hormuz — IRGC

IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebbi emphasized that the waterway would be opened if the US abided by the agreements that had been previously reached

FACTBOX: What we know about FAZ journalist Martens’ international wanted status

Authorities charged Michael Martens in absentia with inciting hatred or hostility over the statements, the source said

Russia’s Il-76 aircraft prevents fire from spreading to populated areas in Serbia

Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic emphasized Russia's rapid response to the request for firefighting assistance

West seeks to create flashpoints along Russia’s borders, Medvedev says

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman said that it had been going on for centuries

Up to 70 vessels queue near Danube ports to load Ukrainian grain — media

Reuters added that the situation with Ukrainian grain exports could worsen in the coming days, as shipping agents at Danube river ports plan to close access to them for at least two days because of deteriorating weather conditions